Ukraine war briefing- Navalny widow blasts UN chief Guterres for meeting ‘murderer’ Putin
At the recent Brics summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a “just peace” in Ukraine, even as tensions continue to escalate in the ongoing war. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not deny the presence of North Korean troops in the conflict, raising further concerns about the international implications of the war. This comes on Day 975 of the conflict.
During a press conference, Guterres emphasized that “the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in violation of the United Nations charter and international law.” He reiterated the UN’s commitment to seeking peace in the region.
Putin countered these claims, stating that Moscow is open to considering options to end the conflict but insists that any discussions must be based on “reality on the ground.” He accused the West of exploiting the situation to create “critical threats to Russia’s security.”
When asked about reports of North Korean troop movements, Putin was noncommittal, saying, “Images are a serious thing. If there are images, then they reflect something.” The United States and South Korea have reported that North Korean forces have arrived in Ukraine, and Ukraine’s military intelligence has indicated that some troops were deployed in Russia’s Kursk region.
On the ground, violence continues to surge, with Russian shelling in eastern Ukraine resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals and injuries to ten others. The regional governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Syniehubov, reported that a thermobaric bomb struck the town of Kupiansk, leading to casualties.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Russian forces have advanced into the coal mining town of Selydove, with the heaviest assaults occurring along the front near Pokrovsk.
In a separate development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) referred Mongolia to its oversight body for failing to arrest Putin during his visit in September. Mongolia faced criticism for its failure to comply with the ICC’s arrest warrant related to the Ukraine war, choosing instead to welcome the Russian leader.
In Belarus, a father and son were sentenced to 20 years in prison for allegedly preparing terrorist acts. Their arrest attracted attention, with claims that their televised confessions were coerced.
On the home front, Ukraine has arrested six individuals, including three army recruitment officials, as part of an investigation into an alleged scheme for illegal evasion of military service. The State Bureau of Investigation revealed substantial amounts of cash were discovered, and luxury cars were seized. The scheme reportedly allowed individuals to pay up to $15,000 to avoid conscription.
Finally, Russian lawmakers have approved a budget that increases defense spending by nearly 30% in the upcoming year, reflecting the Kremlin’s decision to allocate considerable resources toward its military efforts in Ukraine. Only one lawmaker opposed the bill, which is set for further discussion on November 14.